Intra-port transportation service in Paradip hit due to strike

Paradip: The intra-port transport service has been hit since last night as dumper drivers and helpers have staged a strike to press for fulfilment of several demands including on-time payment of salary.

Around 1,400 drivers and helpers are demanding payment of employees’ provident fund (EPF) and Employees' State Insurance (ESI), and their inclusion under the Social Security Scheme. They threatened to observe the protest for an indefinite period if the demands are not met at the earliest.

Deba Mandal, a striking driver, said, “In future we hill hit streets, if either the government or port authorities do not pay heed to our demands.”

Earlier, the dumper owners’ association had assured to look into the demands of drivers and helpers and fulfil them by August 15. However, non-fulfilment of the demands has caused resentment among the agitators.